Pippa Middleton found herself propelled into the spotlight thanks to her role at the royal wedding in 2011. But despite the intense media interest surrounding the Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister, she has largely succeeded at keeping her relationships out of the public eye.
This week, as we celebrate the news that Pippa is engaged to her hedge fund manager boyfriend James Matthews, HELLO! Online takes a look back at some of Pippa's past romances.
© Photo: RexPippa Middleton announced her engagement to James Matthews on 19 July
JJ Jardine-Paterson
During her time at Edinburgh University, Pippa dated banking heir JJ Jardine Paterson. JJ comes from a Hong Kong banking dynasty, and now works in business for Dalton Strategic Partnership. Following the end of their three year romance, the former couple remained on friendly terms; in December 2011, they were seen having dinner together at a restaurant in Suffolk
Alexander Spencer Churchill
© Photo: RexAlexander Spencer Churchill and Kate's sister met in Mustique
Pippa was first linked to dashing millionaire Alexander Spencer Churchill in September 2009. The couple were said to have first been introduced while on holiday in Mustique that summer, and kept in touch upon their return to the UK. Alexander – known to his friends as Ali – is a nephew of the Duke of Marlborough and a distant relation of Sir Winston Churchill. Following his split from Pippa, Ali was briefly linked to Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, and in May of this year, he tied the knot with society beauty Scarlett Strutt.
Alex Loudon
© Photo: RexAlex Loudon attended Prince William and Kate's wedding with Pippa
In 2010, Pippa started dating Alex Loudon, a former England cricketer who had attended Eton with Prince William. The couple are said to have been introduced by mutual friends, and it was Alex who escorted Pippa to the royal wedding in April 2011. But, seven months later, the pair had gone their separate ways, amid reports that financier Alex struggled to cope with the media attention surrounding his girlfriend.
© Photo: RexNico Jackson and Pippa broke up last year
At the start of 2013, Pippa was spotted walking hand in hand with a mystery man – later revealed to be handsome stockbroker Nico Jackson. It was the start of a three year romance and Pippa's most high-profile relationship to date. The couple were photographed together on a number of occasions, and Nico’s mother spoke publicly about how "very happy" her son was with the "absolutely charming" Pippa. However, in October 2015 Pippa and Nico called time on their relationship, having struggled to spend long periods of time together following his move to Geneva the previous year.
© Photo: Getty ImagesJames Matthews popped the question on 17 July
After a whirlwind romance, Pippa has found her happy ever after with handsome hedge fund manager James Matthews. The couple, who dated briefly back in 2012, rekindled their romance at the end of last year, and have been inseparable ever since. News of the engagement is said to have delighted Pippa's family, including sister Kate, brother-in-law Prince William, and her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, who are confident that James will make Pippa "very happy".
The nuptials are expected to take place in 2017, and speculation is already building about the details of the big day, from Pippa's bridal gown to the role her big sister Kate will play in the proceedings. It certainly promises to be the wedding of the year.
